Joel Oppenheimer, Inc.

We have newly acquired a very unusual Havell print. It is plate 351 “Great Cinereous Owl” in an uncolored state. Over the years we have encountered and conserved a number of uncolored Havell prints for collectors. This particular print bears the signatures of Maria and Florence Audubon on the verso; they dated their signatures 1920. Maria died in 1925. This clearly identifies this print as having descended directly through the Audubon family. I believe that Maria and Florence, John Woodhouse Audubon’s daughters, were the last family members to carry the Audubon name. This print is a remarkable example. It is untrimmed, showing the full deckled edge of the hand-made Whatman paper. It was never bound and is a very early impression, maybe the first, made from the copper plate. If anyone can lend an insight to further advance our knowledge about this print your input is welcome.

Tagged Great Cinereous Owl, Great Cinerous Owl, Hand-Colored Engravings, Joel Oppenheimer, Uncolored Havell Aquatint Engraving